Neonatal Nursing and Health Care

Primary healthcare of neurological disorders

The term “neurologic disorder” applies to any condition that is caused by a dysfunction in part of the brain or nervous system, resulting in physical and/or psychological symptoms. The development of the human brain begins during pregnancy and continues through infancy, childhood and adolescence. Most brain cells are formed before birth but the trillions of connections between these nerve cells (neurons) are not developed until infancy. The brain is composed of gray matter (neurons and interconnections) and white matter (axons surrounded by a myelin sheath). A motor neuron (above) carries impulses away from the brain.

The brain is self-organizing. It selects information to forward its growth and development. It also adapts to the environment. Experience of the environment through the senses of touch, smell, sight, taste and hearing produces connections in the brain. All neurologic disorders involve the brain, spinal column or nerves. Symptoms depend on where damage occurs. Areas that control movement, communication, vision, hearing or thinking can be affected.

Causes of Neurologic Disorders

Many neurologic disorders are “congenital,” meaning they were present at birth. But some of the disorders are “acquired,” which signifies that they developed after birth. Those with an unknown cause are termed “idiopathic.